Enzo Maresca believes City’s players are beginning to understand his methods but says the squad will improve further once everyone is available.
The City head coach was speaking after his side recorded a 3-1 victory over the K League All-Stars in Seoul, a performance that provided another encouraging step in the club’s pre-season preparations.
Playing in temperatures of around 36°C, City controlled much of the contest and Maresca praised the effort of his players in demanding conditions.
“The effort was fantastic because the conditions were not easy,” he said after the match.
The result was City’s first win of pre-season following the draw with Inter Milan and comes just days before Sunday’s final warm-up fixture against Atlético Madrid.
Maresca sees room for improvement
While satisfied with the performance, Maresca suggested there is still another level for his side to reach before the competitive action begins.
“We need them to trust what we want, that is important and then when the rest of the players arrive there is no doubt we will be even better,” he said.
Those comments are likely to encourage City supporters ahead of the new season, with several players still building their fitness after summer commitments and others continuing to adapt under the new head coach.
The victory over the K League All-Stars also gave Maresca another opportunity to look at a number of younger players alongside established first-team regulars as he continues to shape his squad.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s meeting with Atlético Madrid, which will provide City’s final pre-season test before they begin the competitive campaign in the Community Shield against Arsenal.
